Stygnobrotula latebricola AKA Black Widow

[Thurge]

I was out perusing the LFS's this afternoon and came upon one of these. I saw one once before in a shop while on vacation, and when asking the guy about it he told me that he really didn't have any information other than it was shipped as a Black Widow. When I saw the one today I asked the girl if it was eating and her answer was they all get fed and there wasn't much left over food. And only the managers feed the fish. So I would appreciate any info or experience you have with these fish. I DIDN'T buy it, YET. But I really really want to.

 

[Shawnts106]

Never heard of it

 

[Kahuna Tuna]

The brotulas are very cryptic and in a big tank full of rock you may never see it. They are predatory and will eat anything they can fit in their mouths. They are interesting and unique looking fish but they pretty much hide all the time.

 

[Thurge]

Cool i was actually thinking about a 15 - 20 nano. How are they about taking frozen food?

 

[Steven0000]

wierd looking fish
the head looks like an eel
body looks like a knife fish

 

[lux_06]

is that thing related to a marine betta?

 

[ManEatingGuppy]

there was someone who had one of those as a hitch hiker a few months ago, their closest relatives grow up a million inches!!! not that huge, but large.

 

[3.99AfterTaxes]

What are they related to?

I've read about them in Scott Micheal's books and have even had a few differernt types come in. Like everyone else here has said, you'll probably never see them. Feeding is easy though, frozen should suffice. I've never had one that didn't eat. Keeping the first point in mind though, I have about six in my display tanks that I are probably never going to sell...

 

[Kahuna Tuna]

I have heard them called cusk eels and know that they are livebearers. I have seen the black and yellow ones at various retailers and wholesalers a few times over the years. They are so cryptic and they are not really one of those "wow" fish that people like to keep so there has never been much of a demand for them. I think a nano would give you a chance to see the fish once in a while.

 

[Broog]

Picture?

 

[Thurge]

Great information. You have me leaning twords getting it. Especially since its Tweety Bird yellow.
And i do need to run up their for bedding for the snake.

Underwater Photo Gallery: St. Vincent / Black Brotula
Thomas W. Doeppner
June 2004 and January 2005